To sell or not to sell: that is the question facing David Cynamon and Howard Sokolowski.
The two owners of the Toronto Argonauts are “weighing” the future of the CFL team, but won’t say officially it is for sale.
The statement was released on Wednesday amid reports Cynamon and Sokolowski are considering selling the team.
“We want to make it clear we remain the dedicated owners of the Toronto Argonauts, committed to the franchise’s success both on and off the field, and particularly in the community,” the statement said.
“We will continue to keep the Canadian Football League and commissioner Mark Cohon informed of any developments, and will certainly inform Argonauts fans, the heart and soul of our franchise, of any real news.”
In his own statement, CFL commissioner Mark Cohon told fans that there are no teams for sale in the league.
“I want our fans to know that I am in constant communication with all of our owners and governors, who keep me informed of important developments,” he said.
“I am absolutely confident that they are committed to the integrity of our game, and what is in the best interests of our teams, our fans, and the future of our league.”
This is all that the Argos need as they wind down their second dismal season. With a league-worst 3-11 record, Toronto faces the Edmonton Eskimos at the Rogers Centre Friday night (7:30 p.m. ET)
All season long, the Argos have been battling controversy after controversy. First, Arland Bruce III and new head coach Bart Andrus well-publicized feud resulted in the receiver’s trade to Hamilton.
The team then went through a quarterback carousel between Kerry Joseph and Cody Pickett.
“We will not indulge in speculation that distracts from what remains our focus: what is best for a game, a team and a league that we truly cherish,” they said.
Earlier this summer, a report revealed that Sokolowski and Cynamon were front $1 million to help purchase the club out of bankruptcy in 2003 by B.C. Lions owner David Braley.
“Recent news reports have referred to rumours regarding my ownership of the British Columbia Lions. I want to stress that the team is not for sale,” Braley said in a statement.
“I remain the team’s owner, proud of its accomplishments, both on the field and in communities across British Columbia, and dedicated to its future success.
Braley continued by stating he has always strived to act in the best interest of the CFL, and will always do what he can to strengthen the league and his team.